TOBACCO STOCKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 April 1939, Page 6

TOBACCO STOCKS

POSSIBILITY OF TEMPORARY SHORTAGE. * . OWING TO IMPORT RESTRICTIONS. .Tobacconists in Masterton, it is stated, are beginning to feel the effects Of the import restrictions and it is considered likely that stocks of some lines may be exhausted very shortly. American and South African tobaccos will be most affected and for. those who favour those blends the future holds the prospect of a .change. Retailers Who have used tobaccos . from the United States and from So’iifh Africa to produce the mixtures which they have made popular with their customers will probably find difficulty because of the restrictions. The smoker who takes one brand for preference, but will not. complain if another line almost identical is substituted, will not be greatly perturbed, but those who have acquired individual tastes may be affected. . It is understood that New Zealand manufacturers who formerly imported stocks of overseas Tobaccos for blending with the home-grown article will receive facilities from the Government. Favourite brands of New. Zealand manufactured .“smokes” Will still be available in plenty to the public. There is some question whether , the production of cigarette papers will be sufficient to tide over the transition period, as from now on all papers must be manufactured in New Zealand. It is possible that there might be a temporary shortage until the local industry gets fully into its stride.